Rickelton hit a brisk 42 off 33 balls and shared in an opening partnership of 90 with Dewald Brevis (70 not out) as the home side made light work of a 143-run target.

MI Cape Town could not have asked for a better start to the inaugural tournament as they claimed a bonus-point victory, chasing the total down with more than four overs to spare.

"It's probably the fullest house I've played in South Africa. I've never actually played in front of a full house in Newlands, but there were a lot of kids, and a lot of screaming fans. I think the guys on the mics were loud but were good," Rickelton told reporters after the game.

"It's just awesome to actually get out there with the lights on and put a bit of a partnership with Dewald and just enjoy some really tough and good cricket.

"There are some highly skilled players in this league and to have the opportunity to take it all in is something that we cherish."

Rickelton also had nothing but praise for 19-year-old Brevis, who is regarded as one of the brightest talents to emerge in South African cricket in recent years.

The right-handed batter certainly made the fans' entry fee worth it as he stroked five huge sixes as his unbeaten 70 came off just 41 deliveries.

Rickelton added: "I got off quite nicely, which gave him (Brevis) a bit of time, but as I started to slow down a bit, I was kind of like, 'Come on, mate, show me what you've got'.

"I think it was from the sixth over where he took them on. And once that happened, he got going quite nicely. He is such a clean striker of the ball.

"The freedom we have knowing that you've got Sam (Curran), Rassie (van der Dussen, Grant (Roelofsen), Delano (Potgieter) and George (Linde) in the back really helps us play confidently."

MI Cape Town are next in action on Friday when they host the Durban Super Giants at Newlands.

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